Platform

Training, expertise and resources to connect and empower Deep Tech

As founders and sector specialists, we understand the unique challenges that Deep Tech businesses face.

Platform is where Deep Tech minds meet — where the startup community comes together to learn and accelerate their journey to impact.

We empower transformative innovation with specialist training and a curated network of partners who can support the community with professional services, advice and mentoring.

We are building the foundations for Deep Tech to thrive — a space built with purpose for those seeking training, connections and specialist support to build the startups that will shape our future.

We support by:

01
Designing tailored training programmes for technical founders
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Developing the best commercial partnerships to enable the Deep Tech community
03
Creating opportunities for innovation and collaboration
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Connecting people and companies in the physical and digital space

Accelerate

Our training engine — from ideas to impact

Specialist accelerator programmes, face-to-face learning events, webinars, resources - Accelerate is a framework that brings together all of Science Creates’ learning and development initiatives.

We design and deliver our programmes and events to match what Deep Tech teams need, wherever they are in their journey.

We work with business partners, universities and government bodies to design high-impact learning opportunities with an exceptional ROI.

Partnerships

A network ofselected experts and advisers to catapult your venture

Support the startups who are shaping the future

We connect visionary companies with a shared mission to improve the health of people and the planet — whether that’s science and engineering startups or service providers who can support this journey.

We welcome partnerships with companies wanting to support Deep Tech innovation as strategic partners, suppliers, or with deals for our community.

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Member companies

GenomeKey

GenomeKey is transforming how healthcare clinicians diagnose and treat infections like sepsis to improve patient outcomes. Using cutting-edge machine learning and DNA sequencing, the company is developing a next-generation diagnostic device to identify bacterial genomes and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility directly from patient blood in just a few hours, rather than days. This enables clinicians to prescribe the right antibiotics for patients with much more efficiency and accuracy, reducing costs, minimising unnecessary antibiotic use and ultimately saving millions of lives from the world’s leading cause of death.

Open Bionics

Open Bionics is transforming lives by making bionic prosthetics more accessible for those with full or partial upper limb loss. Utilising 3D scanning and printing, it develops affordable, assistive devices designed to enhance mobility and dexterity. The Hero Arm, its first commercially available multi-grip bionic limb, is custom-built and suitable for amputees as young as nine.

Kelpi

Kelpi is tackling plastic pollution by developing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. It uses seaweed to create a unique bioplastic coating that provides a world-leading water barrier for new-generation packaging while being recyclable, biodegradable, and low carbon. By working with major food and drink, cosmetics and home care brands, Kelpi is already reducing reliance on fossil-fuel plastics and paving the way for a greener future in these industries.

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Platform team

Francis Lister

Head of Platform

Francis joined Science Creates in 2022 and designed and launched the company’s first UK-wide Engineering Biology Accelerator in partnership with UKRI, which was relaunched again the following year after its huge success.

Francis brings a mixed bag of experience to Science Creates, combining direct entrepreneurial and software experience through founding Testbuds, a successful feedback platform for food products.

He also brings a breadth of technical knowledge to the team, including a QTEC Biodesign Enterprise Fellowship, research funding expertise, early-stage Deep Tech training, and a PhD in Organic Chemistry where he was part of a team that built a "world-first” replica of a GPCR receptor, published in a leading international science journal.

Aida de Heras

Marketing Manager

With a background in biotechnology and science communication, Aida brings a wealth of experience supporting science and innovation-focused organisations in reaching a variety of audiences. At Science Creates, she will continue to shout from the rooftops about the growing Deep Tech community and its achievements. Outside of work, Aida is all about outdoor activities — from long runs up mountain trails and bikepacking adventures to music festivals.

Lucy McGowan

Innovation Manager

Lucy completed a PhD and postdoc in Molecular Cell Biology and has extensive experience in science communication. Within Science Creates, Lucy uses her passion for biology and scientific community building to oversee the successful delivery of our accelerators, training and support the growing Deep Tech ecosystem in Bristol.

Rachel Stratton

Digital Content Creator

With degrees in chemistry and science communication, Rachel combines her scientific background with her broad PR experience and artistic creativity to tell the stories from across the Science Creates community through impactful digital content. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys playing and coaching hockey, soaking up Bristol’s live music scene, and producing commissioned artwork.

Narayan Randev

Partnerships Manager

With a background in languages at university and a successful B2B Sales and Business Development career, Narayan brings his commercial expertise to Science Creates to deepen relationships with current partners and onboard new affiliates. Outside work, Narayan is all about keeping fit with exercise outdoors & squash, as well as taking road trips and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.